MOGADISHU – The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, has approved a national preparedness plan to mitigate the anticipated impact of Super El Niño rains, as the country faces the threat of severe flooding, displacement, and disruption to agriculture and food security.
During its weekly session on Thursday, the cabinet was briefed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation on the risks posed by the expected weather phenomenon. The presentation warned that flooding, flash floods, and displacement could affect farmland, livestock, production, and national food security. Officials outlined a national response framework focusing on preventive measures, inter-agency coordination, and rapid response to protect civilian lives, safeguard agricultural livelihoods, and maintain food supplies.
SoDMA and UN partners have previously called for urgent action as Somalia faces the convergence of El Niño risks and severe food insecurity. Commissioner Mahamud Moalim Abdulle has warned that expected El Niño rains could trigger a humanitarian crisis in the coming months.
Prime Minister Barre has previously visited SoDMA headquarters to review El Niño preparedness, receiving briefings on measures already in place to prepare for the anticipated rainfall.
Government Communication Protocols Approved
The cabinet also approved a new government communication protocol for emergencies related to terrorist attacks. The directive is intended to streamline the dissemination of official information during crises, ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate updates while preventing the spread of misinformation.
Three International MoUs Endorsed
In a separate development, the cabinet endorsed three Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening Somalia’s international engagement:
– **Political Consultations with Turkmenistan:** An MoU establishing a framework for regular political dialogue between Somalia and Turkmenistan.
– **Political Consultations with India:** An agreement to enhance bilateral political coordination and cooperation with India. Somalia and India previously signed an investment MoU in Geneva in September 2022, and this new agreement builds on that foundation by establishing a formal political consultation mechanism.
– **Maritime and Port Cooperation with Egypt:** An agreement to strengthen cooperation in maritime transport and port development between Somalia and Egypt.
Way Forward
The cabinet’s approval of the El Niño preparedness plan reflects the government’s recognition of the urgent need to address climate-related risks that have historically caused widespread devastation in Somalia. The endorsement of international agreements signals Mogadishu’s continued efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic partnerships. The effectiveness of the El Niño response will depend on the timely implementation of the approved measures and sustained coordination between government agencies, humanitarian partners, and local communities.
Recommended Reading On ftlsomalia.com:
